Multinationalism of international nongovernmental organizations

There is still considerable confusion within the international community concerning the range or organizations embodying the negative characteristics associated with 'multinational corporations', now called 'transnational corporations' by the UN to help clarify the matter. For those individuals or societies unfamiliar with INGOs, they are often considered as being identical to multinationals or as having similar characteristics. This confusion is reinforced by the lack of development of adequate distinctions in some other languages (including French, for example). Clearly in many countries this confusion, and the emphasis given to the negative impact of multinationals, constitute a considerable barrier to the development of participation in INGO activity. The situation is further confused by the fact that both types of organization are 'international'and 'non-governmental'. The UN Charter does not distinguish (under Article 71, governing its relationship to 'NGOs') between profit-making and non-profit-making and may be forced to relate to multinationals under the procedures developed for INGOs. Further confusion is generated by the class of INGOs which are international trade and manufacturing associations. Clearly this category is closely related in operation to multinationals and to cartels, although in form it may be an entirely legitimate non-profit association (since only its members are specifically profit-oriented).